Peel District School Board Confirms Education Workers’ Strike Starting Monday

Published September 25, 2019 at 10:54 pm

lrddqhwhjjbovbz-800x450-nopad-2

According to the Peel District School Board, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), the union that represents education workers in Ontario, has confirmed that job action will begin across the province on Monday, Sept. 30.

In the Peel District School Board, CUPE members include administrative assistants, library technicians, and custodial, maintenance and audio/visual repair staff. 

“At this time, Peel District School Board staff are reviewing the job action directive from CUPE provincial to members to determine the impact these will have on school and work site operations, and to learning and working. Peel schools will remain open to staff and students during this job action,” says the school board. “We appreciate that timely communication is important to you, and we commit to providing you with additional details on the job action as soon as we can.”

Earlier this month, around 93 per cent of its 55,000 members voted in favour of job action due to the province’s recent decisions (regarding average class sizes, shifts towards online learning models and a gradual reduction in the number of working teachers), which means they could take a legal strike position as of Sept. 30.

Earlier, the CP said that CUPE requested what is known as a “no-board report,” which starts a countdown toward a potential strike.

Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, expressed disappointment with CUPE’s announcement.

“As the school year begins, it is important that parents, students and educators know that I remain on their side, committed to keeping kids in the classroom,” Lecce said in a statement. “I am disappointed that CUPE has decided to take this action, however, I am pleased that an agreement was reached with CUPE and the school boards to appoint Bill Kaplan as a mediator.”

The government is also in the process of bargaining with several unions that represent teachers.

Contracts with teachers unions expired on Aug. 31.

insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising